Causes are both genetic and social. Antisocial people may well have
antisocial, abusive or alcoholic parents.

Discussion

Antisocial disorder is not the same as 'normal' teenage strops and other
common behavior associated with the difficulties of growing up (to be diagnosed
with this disorder you have to be at least 18). It is, however, more common in
young adults and for an official diagnosis of the disorder they must have also
had a 'conduct disorder' diagnosis in childhood. Older people who were diagnosed
with the disorder may learn how ineffective it is and so find more successful
ways of living.

People with this condition may well have beliefs which support a selfish,
aggressive approach to life, such as 'It's a jungle out there -- only the strong
survive' and 'The weak are unworthy and deserve to be taken advantage of'. With
such beliefs, they may also assume that others believe the same thing, and so
are constantly on their guard against deception and attack. This may be one
reason whey they 'get in first'.

The lack of concern, including for themselves, may make people careless and
not think about consequences of their actions, which can lead them to such as
promiscuity and drug abuse. The criminality of their acts may also land them in
prison.

There is a noticeable overlap with psychopathy in the lack of empathy or care
for others, although psychopaths tend to be colder and more scheming, rather
than hot and reckless.

Antisocial Personality Disorder is one of the ten personality disorders
described by DSM-IV.